The CNE is back in Toronto for 2024 and so it’s once again time to embrace the impending end of summer. As always, there’s plenty to do once inside the gates, and there are plenty of attractions included with the general admission price. For those wanting to up the ante, and the cost, there’s plenty to be found on the grounds, such as rides, games, and food galore!

Eat at the Ex

It’s always the talk of the town. What crazy food items are at the CNE this year? Check below for a few of the wilder options, the venture to the Food Building to give them a go!

Bacon Nation’s bacon cheeseburger that uses peanut butter and jelly Uncrustables in lieu of buns, and Lucky Chicken’s Fruity Pebbles-encrusted chicken tenders is a sweet and savoury delight. Bombay Spice Street’s 12-inch samosa is perfect for sharing, then Pancho’s Bakery’s 15-inch donut compliments it as a shared dessert. The Taylor Swift-themed deep fried cheese curds come topped with cotton candy, and a friendship bracelet!

Here are a few other mentions to add to your food tour – Karaage Soft-Shell Crab on a Stick, Wasabi Ice Cream, SpICE Cream Chorizo Fries, Sweet or spicy Mochi Funnel Cake, Tzatziki Cheesecake. Kool-Aid Fried Chicken Sandwich, Crookie Sandwich, Deep Fried Pickle Oreos, Mac & Cheetos Popsicle, Jalapeño Lemonade, Footlong Deep-Fried Mozzarella Stick, Deep-Fried Butter Chicken Lasagna, Cheeseburger Spring Rolls, Tanghulu Mochi Donut

Rides, Events, and Entertainment

Classics like Polar Express, Swing Tower, Euro Slide, Pharoah’s Fury and the Double Decker Merry-Go-Round. Returning after it’s inaugural set up last year, the Super Wheel tallest travelling Ferris wheel in North America makes its return, casting you 150-feet in the sky inside of enclosed, air conditioned observation pods.

At 1:30, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. daily, the fair is hosting an Ex Games half pipe show which will feature some of the best athletes in skateboarding, BMX and in-line skating such as Andy Macdonald, Eito & Takeshi Yasutoko, Coco Zurita, Paul-Luc Ronchetti, and Zach Newman showing off their best skills.

At 2:30, 4:30 and 6:30 daily, Classic Championship Wrestling enters the ring, with WWE Hall of Fame legends like Jimmy Hart, Tito Santana, and Jacques Rougeau are all slated to make an appearance. Operating at various times every day, the iconic SuperDogs return to the CNE this year with a special Hollywood-themed set featuring some of the sweetest, smartest and sassiest pups in Ontario.

The CNE also features a brand-new attraction on the waterfront this year, called Aquarama, where world-champion water-skiiers and athletes showcase their skills with a series of jaw-dropping stunts and tricks, running Aug 16 through 18 and 23 through 25 at 2:30, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. The Canadian International Air Show celebrates its 75th year at the CNE.

This summer, you can check out an exhibit on the History of Television from the MZTV Museum of Television, a mini-exhibit called Hidden Histories that shows unseen photos from the past 145 years of the CNE and an immersive exhibit called 6ix Dimensions, that blends light and music to a totally trippy effect.

Head to the Beach Bar Stage from 7 to 10 p.m. on Aug 20 through 27 and you can break it down at a Silent Disco where you get to be the master of your own playlist, or opt to catch Action! a movie-themed aerial and acrobatic ice skating show at Coca Cola Collesium daily at 2 and 5 p.m. As always, there’s plenty of acts at the Bandshell to check out, and they are all free with admission to the CNE.

Tickets and Hours

The CNE 2024 runs until Monday, September 2, 2024. Tickets either online or in-person at the Exhibition Gates at a price of $26.55 for adults, $22.12 for seniors (65 and up) and children (5 to 13). Children four and below get in for free. Ride tickets are available for purchase at kiosks located all throughout the grounds, or you can opt to spring for an Advance Sale Ride All Day Pass, which allows you unlimited access to rides for $44.25. The fair gates open at 10 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. every day, with the exception of Labour Day, when gates close at 5 p.m. The grounds stay open until midnight each day, but on Labour Day they, too, will close down early at 9 p.m.

Getting To The CNE – 210 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto

GO Train service is increased along the Lakeshore West and East lines from Aug 16 until Sep 2 to keep things moving smoothly, alongside increased TTC service on Dufferin bus routes and the 509 Harbourfront and 511 Bathurst streetcar routes. The TTC  also has a shuttle bus running between Bathurst and Dufferin stations and the Exhibition grounds to get you there without having to suffer through finding parking in the area. Riders can transfer for free with One Fare between GO Transit and local transit agencies. Customers can also take advantage of our $10 weekend day online passes that allows you to GO wherever you want. PRESTO cardholders receive exclusive discounts on CNE advance sale admission and ride tickets. Find more details about PRESTO discounts for CNE 2024 HERE.

Staycation or Vacation at the Official Hotel of the CNE, Chelsea Hotel in Toronto

Stay at the Chelsea and enjoy refurbished accommodations in the heart of the city, bundled with general admission passes to the CNE, plus other perks such complimentary Wi-Fi, dedicated FAMILY FUN ZONE with waterslide, family pool, Kid Centre & Club 33 teen lounge, and adult-only DECK 27 featuring gym, saunas, indoor pool/Jacuzzi and seasonal sundeck. Choose between Chelsea or Executive Accommodation, with two Adult General Admission passes to the CNE. For more information and to book your stay, check out CNE Packages.

   

The Chelsea also offers other exclusive attraction discounts to some of the city’s hottest attractions, including Little Canada, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Art Gallery of Ontario, Elmwood Spa and more. Visit the SHOW YOUR KEY AND SAVE program.

Finally, for a little way back throwback, check out this retro CNE promo piece from the 1980s – Let’s Go To The Ex!

 

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist based in Toronto with a focus on tourism, lifestyle, entertainment and community issues. He has written several travel articles and has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He’s willing to take on any assignments of interest, attend parties with free booze, listen to rants, and travel the world in search of the great unknown. He’s eager to discover the new, remember the past, and look into the future.